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Topic Review (Newest First)

11-22-2004 07:01 PM

DrRay

There are several problems with 00-01s, but I can't find any reference to engine fires.

11-22-2004 01:58 PM

revamp

Yeah, you didn't tell us the options were '01 Focus or a cavalier....yipes.

I didn't jump in here sooner, but for all of you that said you have no problems with your brakes, it's because you dont have an '01 focus. Also, aftermarket pads and rotors don't fix the situation...it's a caliper issue.

for any future researches reading this....DON'T BUY A '01 FOCUS. That's my informed advice. All the other years are great cars...

PS..never heard of engine fires, though

11-22-2004 12:16 PM

DrRay

If you wanted reliable, the Cavalier is the worst way to go. These are arguably the cheapest, poorly built heaps on the road. You'd been better off with a 5 year old Toyota for reliability.

Seriously, the Consumer Reports website is very accurate, they are non-profit and working from warranty claim data. Don't rely on forum opinions, everyone just hypes their particular car. And alot of forum guys work for Ford.

Recall and warranty repairs do not cover all issues: take a look at this site:

I have 22K on my 02, the rotors are shot. My civic rotors lasted to 70K. To have any one person say, "I have no problems" means nothing, it's a matter of statistics and whether you will likely end up with a problem. I like my Focus, but I would not recommend it for reliability.

BTW pocket, Ford does not recommend turning the rotors, they can warp.

11-21-2004 12:38 PM

jmackenzie3

Thanks a lot, guys.... We took a couple of them out for test drives yesterday, but she decided to go with a traded-in 2003 Cavalier for a little more money, and 4 years left on the factory warranty. I liked the feel of the focus wagon, but I do have to admit the cav felt a little tighter and a LOT quieter on the road, and I like the factory warranty situation.

But the focus has better fuel economy and a TON more room for wheelchair/cargo space. She fell in love with the blue one (the cav)..... sheesh....

Once again an enthusiast forum debunks the scare stories from all the "reputable" consumer review websites...lol

11-21-2004 02:05 AM

mrk874

In my opinion, In this situation, she should probably go with a more reliable car. If you absolutely can't have a break down, you need to buy something newer. An 01 Focus Wagon with high miles is asking for trouble, in your situation anyways.

For most other people, it's totally fine. In addition to my Focus, I have a 93 taurus wagon and it's good enough for me (no kids)

11-21-2004 01:13 AM

Garick

I agree with everybody else, as long as all recalls and tsb's have been done there's not much to worry about. Of course these years will be up in mileage and you get extra maintenance along with that. I used to own a 2001, It was a fine car, no problems. I was not the original owner but I believe it was on original brakes at 40,000 with no issues when it left me. My current 2003 has also been great, I'm at 16,000 right now, no issues.

11-20-2004 09:46 PM

pocketlion

Since it's introduction.. mainly being 02 and newer... the focus has improved 58% in quality. I have 72,000 miles on a 2000, an it has the original rotors, only being turned once. The brake pads I automatically upgraded when I turned the rotors. My brakes work great, and the car runs and drives like a new one. And I know, I drive new ones all the time.

11-20-2004 08:43 PM

Chick

Terrible brake wear, eh? I have over 24K on my stock brakes and they still look new. I have a 03.

I believe most of these problems were on the 00-01. Check to see if the car that you are purchasing has had all the TSB's and recalls done on it before you buy.

11-20-2004 08:25 PM

Twofocused

Brembo replacement rotors and pads run less than $175 in parts for all 4 wheels.

11-20-2004 07:48 PM

CDN-ZX5

I live in Canada as well, although on the West Coast so not so much winter here. Anyway, I am on my second Focus and couldn't be happier. I would agree that an '02 or later would be a better bet, but as long as it has been taken care of it should provide long, safe and reliable transportation. To put the brake issue into perspective - I had a 1994 Grand Am prior to my first Focus, a 2000 model. I had to put front brakes on the Grand Am every 6 months without fail. I couldn't understand the complaints about the Focus' brakes as I needed nothing done until I hit 30K and then only minor servicing, I thought it was great, I did need new rotors and pads at 52K, but that was after 3 years of stop and go city driving, and it only cost $500. Now I'm running an '03 ZX5 for more than 2 years and have had to do nothing but oil changes. A friend has an '02 Focus Wagon in Toronto and they love it, get's them up to cottage country and around the city perfectly. A very good car, don't worry, be confident with this car.

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